I would like to share some rough drawings of Model T Frames I did back in the mid 1990s.
Note these are all Canadian Frames after #2500 (USA Frames) There will be some errors in my observations.
The first frame had no reinforcing fish plates inside. They were added after the handbrake quadrant was affixed to the frame. Sort of an after some failures in the earliest of T's
Some tie around the time the fish plates were added, the very front frame to front cross member bracket was changer to the later style with the foot and extra rivet.
Here is a part of the drawing of the first frame rail The cross section of the frame is very square in the radius and very thin.
Here is a photo of the unusual frame to front cross member bracket. Not real clear to see but is without the foot and extra rivet on each side. Kim Would have a better photo of this.
Some photos of a fish plate frame I once owned. Not the best of photos but you can see the thin-ness of the frame and square cross section. Although the handbrake quadrant has been removed, you can just make out the large holes in the fish plated that sit over the already fitted rivets for the quadrant.
The rear internal corner brackets for the rear cross member were a very simple bent piece of steel with only 2 plains. (didn't have the third folded side). Photo not the best and some extra welding inside the frame.
Here are the drawings. Most changes from one Frame model to the next are highlighted. Please remember, except for the first drawing, they are all Canadian
All measurements are in metric and from front of frame.
All measurements are in metric and from front of frame.
All measurements are in metric and from front of frame.
All measurements are in metric and from front of frame.
All measurements are in metric and from front of frame.
All measurements are in metric and from front of frame.
Note the change in length of the body bracket in this photo
Here's a photo of the last 3 styles of rear cross members
See part 2 for TT Frames
See A Study of Model T Frames Part 2
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/356628.html?1366355695
Thanks for posting this information. I hope there will be more such studies to help sort out the many changes made over the course of Model T production. Those of us who have mixmaster cars are looking to sort them out and find the bits to make the car as close as possible to the way it was as it left the factory. These studies will help, thank you!
Vintage Paul, mixmaster '23 Runabout
Thanks for the information Mark. That took considerable effort to compile all that information.
I discovered the gasoline tank was moved back 1/2" on USA made cars in 1913, but when I told the experts, they thought I was full of BS.
Mark,
Thank you very, very much! This will help me sorting out some of my cars and parts.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
this may also help, note that it is in draft form, I would apprieciate any corrections
T frame chart Model T Frame Identification Chart V2.pdf (37.1 k) |
nice work Gavin
Mark